Obituary of Kent Fraser Hetherington

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Kent Hetherington. Kent called Thamesville home and dug his roots on Sunnybank farm of the Thames River, the same farm his Dad started in 1904. Kent was fortunate enough to spend his first and last night on this earth in that same century farm house. He passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at the age of 95, with his family by his side and his hand held by “his bride”, Viv of 67 years.

Born in Chatham, son of the late Herbert and Eva (Boyle) Hetherington. Beloved husband to Viv (Archer) Hetherington, who he adored dearly and never missed an opportunity to buy her red and white carnations. He was a very proud father of Kim McPhail (Scott), Fraser Hetherington, Greg Hetherington (Kelly).

He was admired and will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Scott (Ashley), Kent, Shane, Kurt, Shauna, Madison, Ben, Grace, Maxx and great-grandchildren Avery, Blake and Austin. Dear brother-in-law of Bob Siddall and Norma Hetherington. Kent would never miss one of his grandkids games or performances and was incredibly proud of all of them. Predeceased by his sisters Jean Siddall and Norma Reeves, brothers Neil and Jack Hetherington and loved by many nieces and nephews. 

Kent was an extraordinary man and a rock for his family. A vivacious reader, he had a passion for history and learning. He always looked for the best in people and treated everyone like the most important person in the room. He was a proud farmer, hard worker, and could fix anything. Always clever and quick witted, his family and friends always looked forward to his stories and one liners. 

Travel, motor racing, farming, family and his community were some of Kent’s favourite things. This makes it fitting that Kent’s request was for cremation, having his ashes spread on his farm and on the riverbank behind his home, so that his travels will never end.

Kent was a member and former Kirk of Sessions of the St. James Presbyterian Church in Thamesville. He was Past Master and Life Member of the Tecumseh – Sydenham Lodge, a proud member of The Ahcom Shrine Club. He would always go out of his way to fundraise for the club collecting pop cans. He was a longtime member of the Thamesville Rotary Club and would never miss a Monday night to attend a meeting. He was later in life honoured to become a Paul Harris fellow. He lived his life by the Rotary “Four Way Test”

A private family service will be held at a later date to celebrate a life well lived. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Wallaceburg Legion Branch 18 at the Forks, Wallaceburg (c/o 52 Margaret Ave Upstairs, Wallaceburg, ON N8A 1Z9 or the Thamesville Legion (c/o 32 Victoria St, Thamesville, ON N0P 2K0 ) or the Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada (https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/canada/about-us/ways-to-give). Those wishing to leave a condolence may do so at  www.badderfuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to the John C. Badder Funeral Home, Thamesville.

 In Kent’s words “He was always happy to meet, sorry to part, and happy to meet again”.